Come To the Table Ministry

Today I found myself at another crossroads, and this time as panic started to work it’s way into my heart, I was able to recite this verse to myself:

Jeremiah 6:16

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Its one God laid on my heart several weeks ago, and when my Bible study encouraged us to begin memorizing verses, this is where I started.

Certainly not a coincidence.

STAND:  You have to stop moving and doing in order to stand. It’s a position of grounding yourself to the foundation. God is asking us to slow down and be still so that we can reconnect with His foundation.

LOOK:  Next, we are called to look. Where?  We need to first look UP…to God. Connect with Him in this circumstance.

ASK: Don’t turn to a friend or spouse first. Ask the Creator of EVERYTHING for His pathway forward. Which way is the right way, the tested way?  That’s where I want to be.

WALK:  Once He reveals the next step…take it!!!  It’s time to stop standing and start walking. But don’t walk until you have completed the other commands first. And remember, He is with us. We are not walking alone.

Then…and ONLY then will we find rest in our souls beyond the crossroads.

Anyone else need to hear this tonight?

Shut the front door.

Have you ever felt like you were stuck inside your head? Stuck with your front door to the outside world shut tight?

(Photo cred:  Lasse Moller on Unsplash)

Or maybe you are stuck on the outside trying to find your way through a closed door into a relationship or group?

Sometimes doors close for a reason, but we can allow ourselves to get so fixated on the closed-off situation that we are missing other doors opening to a new opportunity. Are you stuck on a door that is closed?

Will you look up and look out to see what other doors might be opening?

Closed doors often bring uncertainty, pain, defensiveness. But God calls us to knock on His door as we navigate our circumstances, for it is always open.

Matthew7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

Recently, I had a door close in a very big way, and the unknown on the other side was pretty scary. I wasn’t sure where this new road would lead me. What I have found is that God was already opening a new door, one in which He needed me to walk through in order to be in service with Him.  How does the saying go?  When one door closes another door opens…and sometimes you might find yourself climbing out of a window to get there!

(Photo cred:  Marina Khrapova on Unsplash)

Our certainty and truth lies in knowing that His door is always open. Our job is to come to the threshold…right now. Climb out of a window if you have to in order to be at His door.

He wants to walk with us through all of life’s ups and downs, and He will always be waiting to welcome us home with open arms.

In Him,

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Photo cred:  Erika Fletcher on Unsplash)

Kindergarten is no joke these days, and it appears it is no match for my spunky third child (or her mama). I get it. She holds it together all day at school and then comes home to her safe person…me. But I, too, hold it together all day until I reach my safe place…home. So as you can gather, this can sometimes be a recipe for messy.

How do I parent our head-strong, independent, go for gold third child? (Did I mention we are JUST alike?) What is the best way to give her boundaries, direction, expectations in a healthy way that won’t leave me feeling like I blew it in the heat of the moment?  Anyone?  Like I am all ears.

I am beginning to more fully understand that each of my children are unique and need different life strategy approaches. One day this week, after completely missing the mark, I had to call in backup…daddy to the rescue. He truly has more patience in his pinky than I do in my entire body!  How, I asked, am I supposed to reach her?  How can I help her understand?  Water on a rock was his answer.

(Photo cred:  Didin Emelu on Unsplash)

Water on a rock?  What?  You see, water that drips constantly on a rock will over time change the entire shape and look of the rock…one drip at a time and yet the effect is cumulative.

As I took a step back, I realized that’s exactly how God transforms my life. Like water on a rock, He drips grace, forgiveness, unconditional love, truth, wisdom into my heart, and over time, this constant dripping changes the entire shape and look of my heart. Like water on a rock, God transforms my soul.

God’s constant dripping should remind me that change does not always happen overnight.  Most often, it’s a journey. And God is calling me to drip goodness, love, boundaries, and expectation into the lives of my children.

I can’t wave a magic wand of control around and force transformation into their lives. Rather, like water on a rock, with patience and consistency, I can model how to live a life in Christ. I can teach my children obedience and respect without compromising my own. Yet, I will need the strength and grace that comes from God in order to do so.

Proverbs 22:6

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

(Photo cred:  Amy Humphries on Unsplash)

My prayer is that the drips I receive from God can fall into my heart and overflow into the interactions with my kiddos. Need a reminder?  Walk outside, grab a rock, give your concerns to God in prayer, and keep it with you!  Better yet…grab multiple rocks and share with a friend!  Your challenging relationships may be at work, with a spouse, or friend, but the same concept applies. Let God drip His promises into your life so that you can drip His goodness into the lives of others.

Romans 12:12

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”

Blessings on your journey,

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Photo cred: Marcus Neto on Unsplash)

No, I’m not talking about the great American singing competition. I’m talking about the very things that separate us from His purpose for our lives. Want to know more?  Let’s take a look….

Wherever you are, take a moment to open your Bible and read Jeremiah 10:1-16. Now you ask?  Yep, like right this minute. Don’t have a Bible handy?  No worries. There’s nothing that the Google can’t handle. Type in the verses and you will see the Scripture.

Done?  Whew…what were the Israelites thinking??  I mean, how can these people, God’s CHOSEN people, begin to think that these lifeless images made by their own hands would bring them joy, healing, and life?  These verses describe the wooden idols as having no power, inanimate, worthless.

Yet the Israelites are spending their valuable time, energy, and money on their idols sculpted of wood and adorned with silver and gold.

Crazy, right?  Not so fast.  My idols may not look like the Israelite’s, but they certainly can and will take control of my life, pushing God to the side. Mine are not made of wood but reside on screens. They revolve around other people’s perception of me. My idols are crazy schedules, binging the next show, and material stuff that suck my time, energy and resources right out of my soul and pocketbook.

(Photo cred:  Neil Soni on Unsplash)

I had to ask myself:  Am I putting God first in my life, or am I just trying to squeeze Him in?  Wake. Up. Call. God above ALL else…period.

I have found that if I give Him the first fruits of my time, He will give it back to me tenfold. This tired, stressed-out, anxious mama has found rest, peace, and fulfillment in spending time in His Word.

(Photo cred:  Priscilla du Preez on Unsplash)

God is offering you His peace, unlike anything this world has to offer. Stop. Meet with Him, and let your life be transformed.

Are you looking for a place or resource to help you dive deeper into Scripture?  Message me and I’ll be happy to help you find a good fit!

(Photo cred:  Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash)

Why is unpacking the pits?  There is all the anticipation of getting ready for a trip. And then it’s over. And while packing can be stressful at times, unpacking is the worst. Am I right?

Each time I unpack I question why I feel the need to bring SO much stuff on vacation. I mean, I get needing some choices, but three choices per day is a bit excessive. And come on, I NEVER wear those shoes so why now all of the sudden the urgency to bring that pair along?

What type of unpacker are you?  Are you the get-it-done-so-fast unpacker?  It doesn’t matter where all the stuff is put up as long as you can’t see it anymore.  Sound familiar?

Or are you the leave-it-sitting-for-weeks unpacker?  You might as well wait to use it or wear it before you put it up, right?  Plus, it’s all neat and tidy in that suitcase sitting in the corner.

Or maybe you are the take-your-time-and-do-it-right unpacker. You do the tough stuff now like wash and fold the clothes, and you go ahead and put away the million travel items you can’t leave home without. Is this you?  If so, I’m giving you a high five right now!🤚🏻

(Photo cred:  Me on my iPhone)

I started thinking about this as I stared at my unpacked suitcase  (one that is still sitting neatly in the corner). Unpacking is hard because there is work to be done. It takes extra time to do it well. Most times it requires a lot of washing and sorting before the items can be put back where they belong.

But isn’t this concept a lot like life?

What needs unpacking in your life?  What are you keeping stuffed neatly inside your “suitcase” because unpacking it might require work, be stressful, or even cause some anxiety?

This summer has been a time of unpacking for me (emotionally and not physically obviously). I’ve been looking inside myself and unfolding some wadded up mistruths about myself and my identity. It can be overwhelming at first and can certainly take way more time than shoving it in a corner, but the real truths I’m learning about me from God are oh so beautiful…and hard…but liberating!! 🙌🏻

Philippians 2:12-13

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

I am not alone. God is ready to help me clear out my suitcase and unpack some things.  But it’s my choice to get started. And from there, that’s where I must give control to God (fully) and allow Him to restore my soul and put my stuff in order, where it belongs…and not hidden in a suitcase.

He transforms me.  He gives me grace. He wants to use my life for His purpose. And He wants the same for you.

(Photo cred:  Andy Fitzsimon and Dan Gold on Unsplash)

What needs unpacking in your life?  Will you make the choice to start today?

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!”

Expect more?  Well this sounds interesting.  I bet you might be thinking…please explain to me why I should expect more. More what exactly?

In my mind, I know how my life should play out, and I believe I know what should happen.  I have a plan, I am prepared, and I want control over my outcome. I can see the way life should look clearly in my mind. How about you?  Well, let’s talk through this together.

Where should we start?  It’s best to start straight from the Source, the Word.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

 

 

 

 

(Photo cred:  Morgan Sarkissian on Unsplash)

Does anyone else’s mind play tricks on them?  The mind is such a beautiful thing, but it can also get us into trouble. Just like our bodies are what we eat, our minds become a reflection of what we feed them. So what is your mind full of?  Are you feeding it the good stuff or caving into cultural cravings?

God calls us into training so that our minds may be fully given over to Him. Transformation starts with the mind and this requires an intentional choice.  So how do we train our minds?

Anytime I think of training I think of running. I have a love/hate relationship with running, but it’s my sanity.

Here are my Top Tips for Training:

1. Commit to actually doing it
2. Set a goal
3. Map out a plan
4. Just do it!  And do it even when you don’t feel like it…especially when you don’t feel like it.

These same principles can be applied to a transformation of the mind.

1. You start with a CHOICE. I am going to surrender my mind and my control to God.
2. Goal?  I want to completely surrender control by placing my full trust in God and allowing Him to work out His perfect plan for my life.
3. How?  This is your plan. What will you commit to doing every day to surrender to Him?  For me, it has been getting up early and giving Him my first fruits of time. I spend time in scripture, prayer, and journaling which has deepened my relationship with Him. I get to experience with my heart what my head already knew.
4. Commit to the follow through and do not allow life to get in the way. I’m learning that in order to live life fully I must seek Him FIRST…not just when I am in crisis or when it’s convenient.

(Photo cred:  Unsplash)

We are running the good race. We can choose the course of the world and find ourselves running ourselves ragged in circles with no finish in sight. Or, we can run God’s course and run right into His arms.

Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

And remember…It’s not a sprint but an endurance race. However, make sure you are stretching yourself outside of your comfort zone. Take moments to just breathe in the air and take it all in.

Don’t forget to nourish yourself daily with the food of the Spirit. There will be times in the race where you are stuck on the side sucking in air just wondering when the next breath will come. You may have to stop running and walk…or even crawl for a bit. Other times you may be sprinting effortlessly.

(Photo cred:  Kolleen Gladden on Unsplash)

The point is, never lose sight of the promised finish line where God will welcome us home. Set your mind on the eternal victory that He has promised His believers. Everyone’s race is different. Cheer each other on. Lift each other up. God is running this race right beside you, yearning for you to notice Him.

But do NOT allow the road bumps and obstacles of this life to overwhelm you.

Keep training, friend. God wants your mind focused on Him so that you can experience and EXPECT MORE…. hope and peace. I miss out on so much because I lose my focus and allow my expectations to define my experiences. I get distracted by how I think life should be. I get stuck in comparison of others and seeking worldly hope. Power, prestige, wealth, popularity…none of this will give me what my heart desires…only You, Lord, are my prize at the finish line.

Help me to expect more HOPE in You!

Ashley

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

~Psalm 118:24

(Photo cred: Mohsen Shenavari on Unsplash)

Do you ever find yourself wondering exactly what IS your life’s purpose?  At this point of contemplation you most likely are buried under a mound of laundry, or cradling a fussy baby, or maybe you have just watched your baby walk off into a life of their own and you are dreaming of the days of laundry and fussy babies.

All I know is that most of us find ourselves questioning our purpose in the middle of this confusing world. Now that I’m in my 40s and can better appreciate the gift of precious time, I desperately want to be confident in my purpose. Been there, too?

As I reflect on my own life, I find myself going to a place of doubt. Don’t get me wrong, I am super blessed with an amazing family, successful career, and the best support system. But should I be doing more?  Should there be more to my career?  Why am I tired and unmotivated at the moment?  Am I reaching the top or wearing myself out in the process?

(Photo cred:  Will Prada on Unsplash)

*STOP*  God calls us to be still.  Am I striving to be fulfilled by a purpose as defined by the world or by His purpose?  The world tells us we need more power, more prestige, more accolades, more recognition, MORE…MORE…MORE.

I don’t know about you, but I am ready to hop off this hamster wheel of “more.” God promises that we are ENOUGH in Him. Know what that means?

It means we must stop defining our life’s purpose through the lens of the world and start defining our purpose through the lens of TRUTH.  

Want to know your purpose?  It’s to love the Lord, share His Truth, live it out, and love others. PERIOD.

I was recently talking with a girlfriend who found herself asking this same question. What is my purpose?  I think she also questions the importance of what she’s currently doing. Funny thing is…I’ve always admired her as a fun mama with such kind, well-mannered children. How does she do it?  Not only does she do motherhood so well, but she works part-time in an assisted living facility with patients who have reached their final stages of life. In her true fashion, she talks about how much her sweet patients have shown her about life and walking in faith. And yet, I know what a blessing she is for all of them. Her sweet smile lights up a room, and her kindness seeps out of her pores. What a gift!  You see, my friend has a specific and God-given purpose to raise her children in love and Truth, all while spreading His goodness to others.

(Photo cred:  Cristian Newman)

God calls us to serve Him, share His goodness, and love well in all sorts of ways. I am reminded to be intentional in my daily walk and life with Him.

Does someone come to mind who has impacted your life and is living their purpose well?  My challenge to you is to tell them!  Write a note, pick up the phone, share with them what a blessing they are to you.

Ashley

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

(Photo cred:  Ben White on Unsplash)

I recently briefly shared my struggle with anxiety but have yet to go into more detail about the journey. Inviting people into your life struggles can be overwhelming and intimidating. And yet, that is EXACTLY what God is calling us to do. That is what community and accountability are all about.

With this on my heart, I was at a point in my personal study of scripture where I had a choice about what’s next. I finished reading 1 Corinthians recently and reluctantly started 2 Corinthians. (Don’t ask me why I wasn’t excited to go there, but yet I felt like that’s where I needed to be.)

Yes, as always, God used His living, breathing Word, to further implant His Truth about my anxiety on my heart. Before I get to 2 Corinthians, though, I want to talk about Philippians where Paul tells us that he has learned to be content no matter what his situation. And let’s just say his situation was difficult to say the least. My breath prayer verse comes soon after, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) This verse I uttered countless times during a period of extreme difficulty in my life. At the time, I didn’t really feel it, but I said it anyways.

While my circumstances most definitely change, God does not. Ever. He is with me, with You, through EVERYTHING. How many days do you think, I cannot go any further?  And yet, God says His strength is enough. He’s calling us to tap into it because He knows we cannot do this on our own.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 1, I was reminded that God provides comfort in all my troubles, but He does not stop there. There is no period yet. He goes on to say I am comforted SO THAT I can then turn around and comfort others from this gift that I have received. I must allow others into my life, share my journey and my struggles with them, and be bold and brave.

Why?? (There’s that question again) SO THAT others can see God’s Hand upon my life. SO THAT I might not rely on myself or become prideful but rather understand God’s redemptive work in my life.

As Christians, you and I have been sealed by the Holy Spirit.  We don’t have to wonder or be afraid of how this all ends. Our hope is actually a guarantee of what’s to come, eternal life in heaven with Him. We can know this daily and daily I’m reminded that I NEED Him.

What gives me so much comfort, and honestly leaves me a bit overwhelmed, is that the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead is the same Spirit that now lives within me.

Romans 8:11

“And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

(Photo cred:  Billy Pasco on Unsplash)

God is ready to meet you and I right where we are SO THAT we can be transformed in and through Him. He wants our focus to be on Him and not the things of this world. So is it?  How am I spending my resources?  Where does he fit into my life?

I needed to inventory my idols, and when I did, the following three idols came to mind much too easily:

Anxiety

Technology/Social Media

Busyness

God wants my first fruits. He doesn’t want my leftovers.

Lord, help me to invest ALL of me into our relationship SO THAT my life will show others Your glory and promise.

Amen

Ashley

~Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”